Anderlecht manager Vítor Bruno is using the international break to give his players an extended holiday. Non-internationals have been granted eight days off to recover physically and mentally after a demanding start to the campaign.

The move follows Saturday's 3-0 victory over Zulte Waregem, a result that keeps Anderlecht fifth in the Jupiler Pro League with 13 points. Tawfik Bentayeb opened the scoring before Marten Winkler added a brace. That win was the team's third in their last five league matches.

Gruelling schedule

Since pre-season resumed on 22 June, exactly three months ago, the squad has endured a gruelling period. They completed 80 training sessions and played 14 matches in 58 days, averaging a game every four days. Only once, after the European trip to Kairat Almaty, did they get two consecutive days off. Otherwise, the maximum was one free day per week.

"They can go on holiday wherever they want," said Vítor Bruno. "The only thing I expect is that they are back at the club at the agreed time." That agreed return date is Monday 28 September, when the group reconvenes at Neerpede.

International duties

Not everyone is leaving. A group of players have international commitments, including Danylo Sikan, Mihajlo Cvetkovic and Thelo Aasgaard. For them, and for players remaining at the club, the staff are exploring the possibility of arranging a friendly match if a suitable opponent can be found. Bruno himself will also stay in Belgium to evaluate the team's status after the first three months.

The coach sees the break as an opportunity for newer players like Bentayeb or Aasgaard to work on small details, acting as a mini-preparation period. Anderlecht's full squad includes several internationals.

Tough run ahead

The rest is essential because a challenging run of fixtures awaits after the break. First up is an away match at Cercle Brugge on 10 October, a side currently sitting 16th. That is followed by two difficult European away trips to Dinamo Zagreb and Jagiellonia Bialystok, concluding with a visit to AA Gent. The coming weeks are therefore key for the season's trajectory, which could further impact the standings.

Bruno's planning is designed to ensure players return with fresh minds for this important phase. Recent form, with three wins in the last five league games, provides confidence for the challenges ahead. The next appointment is in the fixtures: on 10 October against Cercle Brugge.

This story first appeared at HLN Voetbal